Page 74 of The Heart of a Villain

A ghost of a smile appears on George’s face, but he masks it with his stern voice. “I’m afraid you have no choice. We have to get the hell out before Rush comes back.”

Comes back? “Where is he?”

“He went for a drive to clear his head, but I suspect he’s gone to Rafael’s.”

My eyes widen at this information as hope spreads through me, soothing the raging fire in me at the possibility of Rush seeking his twin.

Does that mean he has some questions about the past? Does he doubt his revenge and maybe changed his mind?

Is this why he’s sending me away?

Or does he just want to spare me the pain of choosing between him and my dad?

“My nephew became so pussy-whipped he’s even willing to talk to his twin.”

I still at the disgusting voice echoing through the space and look up to see Jade standing at the top of the stairs, flicking a lighter on as he lights up his cigarette.

“Just like his father.”

William squeezes the paper in his hand so hard it crunches, and I cross my arms.

“Watch how you talk to me, Jade.”

His eyes flash in anger.

“And why are you still here?” I look at the window. “The storm has ended. It’s time to get the hell out.”

Lavender snickers before munching on her toast, while Jade turns red.

“You’re my nephew’s whore and think you can give orders here?”

I open my mouth to retaliate—because fuck this guy for calling me a whore—when George snaps at him, “Mr. Jade, please leave. Rush requested you go now. The boat is ready, and they’re just waiting for you.” A beat passes. “And take all your men with you.” Then he places his hand on my lower back and pushes. “Go eat. I’ll handle him.”

Sending one last glare to the man and wrestling myself from flipping him off, I march to the table and grab an egg, taking a bite and washing it away with tea.

“We stayed in your room,” Lavender informs me and smiles, her teeth smeared in chocolate. “It was fun. A balcony!” She sighs dreamily. “Ocean.”

After conversations with her, I will never take my life for granted again because this girl’s happiness at seeing things I considered normal hurts my soul.

“I’m glad.”

“I packed all your stuff in the room into suitcases.” Jesse leans forward, lowering her tone to a whisper. “I scooped up all the jewelry and forwent the shoes. Figured it was more important.”

I give her a thumbs-up, although my privileged ass couldn’t care less about it if I tried.

“Mark is going with us as well.” Excitement radiates from her, and I hate to break it but do.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

Her toast drops from her hand. “No?”

“Nope.”

She studies me for a few second and sighs. “Okay. What is the plan now?”

I guess at this point she’s used to my stupid ideas and requests.

Leaning back, I see everyone is otherwise preoccupied and ask Lavender, “Do you know about your mother’s diary?” She blinks in confusion. “Where she would write her notes.”

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